Canada's Treblemakers third album (secondf on CD) is wonderful. Loaded with powerful double picking and extquisite surf sounds. Most of the writing is from guitarists Denis Brochu and Zak Isbinsky. The rhythm section is very tight and powerful, with Robert Nichols' drums and Paul Mazigi's bass locked in power drive, and the whole thing is given a spacy feel by Richard Grigis' vintage Farfisa. The mix is very complimentary to the music, with a solid balance between the guitars and excellent use of the Farfisa as a complimentary sound. A Damn fine CD.

"Waiting For The Apocalypse" is a fine track, with a traveling tribal feel, and a slightly mean edge. The melody is slightly Spanish and definitely for the open road. The meter of the glissandoes is very good - smooth and even.

The Great White Lunch Hour

Surf (Instrumental)

What a great title. From the surfers point of view, vicious attack and likely death. From the shark's point of view, a munchie break. "The Great White Lunch Hour" is speedy and driven. full of energy and snap. You can almost hear the teeth mashing as mealtime begins.

Exploding Bikers From Hochelaga

Biker Fuzz (Instrumental)

Some biker fuzz a la Davie Allan, some speedy iron thunder, and a well written melody line. The lead and keyboard are playing a duet, which creates an interesting paradoxical feel via the contrast between the biker fuzz lead and the whistling sixties organ. What I wanna know is, do the bikers explode on purpose, or are the Treblemakers blasting the two wheeled invaders, and where the hell is Hochelaga.

Freakshow

Carnival Keys (Instrumental)

Farfisa player Richard Grigis wrote the well titled "Freakshow," so naturally his weapon is the lead. The pumping side show feel is cool, almost humorous, and certainly enjoyable. Not a hint of surf, but enough carny to keep the most ardent hot dogger focus on the parade of bacon, march of miscreants, and display of misshapen humankind. Darn cool.

Rubber Duckies

Surf (Instrumental)

"Rubber Duckies" is a funny title, but the track is a well written tune with a memorable melody and an exotic air about it. The excellent guitar phrasing over the top of the subtle keys makes this really stand out. It's a track you'll come back to often. Short and to the point, and very effective.

Lawnmower Drag '99

Surf (Instrumental)

This band composition is quite surfy. "Lawnmower Drag '99" has the sort of melody that might have come from a Super Stocks session, but much more spunk than that might imply. Excellent tune.

Organ Failure

Organ (Instrumental)

As you might guess from the title, the Farfisa takes the lead, but certainly doesn't fail. The whirling melody line is a churning whirl of picturesque energy.

Seven Seconds To Perfection

Surf (Instrumental)

This is a grand track! "Seven Seconds To Perfection" sets a moderate pace, employs a delicate damped reverb rhythm, and has a wonderful Spanish feeling melody over the top. At the midpoint, the pace doubles up, leaving the tranquility of the main theme in the dust. By the time a phrase or two have gone by, you forget the gentler beginning... but only until it drops back to the original pace. The transitions are very smooth. Dramatic, moody, and powerful.

The Sheriff Of Chinatown

Surf (Instrumental)

Dribbling surf guitar, a magnetic melody, and Oriental chords whammied a bit to make them more surfy, and ska influence here and there. "The Sheriff Of Chinatown" is a solid track, infectious and very fun.

The Lonesome Cretin

Surf (Instrumental)

Shimmering vibrato sets a lonely mood, supported by a haunting keyboard. The drums and bass are tribal and disturbing. "The Lonesome Cretin" is a very cool tune, moderately paced and delicately played out.

Ebola

Viral Surf (Instrumental)

This is a raging surf monster. Like the "Ebola Gay" (pardon the pun), the Treblemakers devastate the placid sea with carpet bombs of double picked notes and percussive tom toms.

Countdown At Ground Zero

Surf (Instrumental)

From the other perspective, groundlings racing for cover with both fear and optimism. Midstream, the track slows to an ominous pace while sirens wail. Doomsday is upon the Treblemakers as they deliver "Countdown At Ground Zero."

The Schmirnoff Conspiracy

Surf (Instrumental)

Russian influences, and a hint of bottled diversion, characterize this solid track. "The Schmirnoff Conspiracy" is a little deliberate, but still carries a quite punch.

The Dentures In Space

Surf (Instrumental)

The obvious parody of the Ventures' album title misleads you to expect the octogenarian stiffness so often displayed on stage by the aging statesmen of instro rock, but alas the Treblemakers pound and wail. A swirling duel between the lead and organ sets up a more garage feel and an intense ride through the milky way.

Square Wave

Bike Fuzz (Instrumental)

Well, "Square Wave" sure is an obvious title long overlooked! Fuzz IS square wave! What a nasty howl of feedback and biker fuzz the boys have wrought. More Northwest than Davie Allan, but with Davie's sorta nasty edge and penchant for going off on extended noise endings. It creeps up on you, mugs you, and leaves you smiling.